South Ayrshire Council to install barriers at Low Green

South Ayrshire Council has worked with counter-terrorism police on the measures, which it says are intended to "increase public safety during events".

The authority says the move is in response to "instances worldwide where events or heavily pedestrianised areas have been targeted and as a result, event organisers have to ensure that counter terrorism measures are in place".

Metal framed pedestrian arches will be installed on The Esplanade, along with traffic bollards and swing arm barriers which will also be installed at Wellington Square and Bath Place.

The authority says the measures will be installed during July and will be in place all year round. 

The barriers can be lowered during events to stop vehicles accessing parts of the Esplanade, Wellington Square and Bath Place.

South Ayrshire Council says the move is required as a public safety measure for major events. (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

No cycle routes, footpaths or disabled access will be affected by the measures, however a small number of car parking bays on the Esplanade may need to be reconfigured.

The equipment has been loaned, free of charge, to the council by counter terrorism policing for a period of five years.

Jane Bradley, director of communities and transformation at South Ayrshire Council, said: “We’re keen to attract as many high-profile events to South Ayrshire as we can, as these are great for the local and wider economy.

“Public safety goes hand in hand with this ambition, so we are delighted that we were able to work with counter terrorism police to get these measures on loan.

“We want people attending our events to enjoy themselves and feel safe at the same time, so these measures will help to maintain that sense of security.”

The installation of the counter terrorism measures are scheduled to take place on Wednesday , July 10.

Sections of The Esplanade, Wellington Square and Bath Place will be closed for the day to allow the installations to take place.